Rapper Illbliss shares how a Lagos radio presenter dismissed his chances in music for rapping in Igbo, exposing deep-rooted tribal bias in the industry
Illbliss recalls Lagos rejection in a deeply personal account of his early struggles as an Igbo rapper trying to find space in Nigeria’s mainstream music scene.
The respected lyricist, known for his hit song Aiye Po Gan, opened up on the Real Shareholders podcast, where he recounted being dismissed by a Lagos radio presenter simply for embracing his Igbo identity in music.
According to Illbliss, the incident happened shortly after he moved to Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital, with hopes of making a breakthrough.
He had released a song titled Igbo Boy, celebrating his heritage and the vibrant spirit of his people. But the response he received from a radio presenter was anything but supportive.
“He said, ‘What are you trying to do? You can’t make it here. You’ve come here with an agenda. Omo-Igbo,’” Illbliss recalled. The presenter reportedly switched into fluent Yoruba and advised him to abandon his identity to succeed in the city’s competitive music space. “The music is good, but it won’t go far,” he was told.
Though the track was celebratory and not offensive, Illbliss said the interaction left him feeling isolated and unwelcome. The encounter exposed the unspoken tribal bias that, in his view, still pervades the Nigerian entertainment industry.
“Just looking at that guy, it made me feel terrible,” he said. “We can disguise all we want about being one nation, but the tribal divisions are incredible to handle.”
The experience didn’t stop him. Over time, Illbliss carved out a respected space in Nigerian hip-hop, maintaining his cultural voice while proving critics wrong.
His story reflects the broader challenge faced by many Nigerian artists who stay true to their roots but must navigate subtle prejudices that influence airplay, popularity, and support in major cities like Lagos.
Illbliss recalls Lagos rejection not with bitterness but as a powerful reminder of the work that remains in uniting Nigeria’s creative spaces. His resilience and cultural pride continue to inspire a new generation of artists committed to telling their stories in their own language.
